Sleep Apnea

A judge Monday appointed an outside medical expert who will conduct an independent evaluation of a 13-year-old Oakland girl who has been on life support at Children’s Hospital Oakland since she suffered complications after a tonsillectomy earlier this month.

The United States will spend roughly $2.5 trillion this year on health care. Almost three-quarters of that is spent treating chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. But now, just across state line in Reno, there is a new approach: the city is putting its money on prevention.

It’s estimated 10 to 12 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, when the airway is blocked during sleep. The condition can lead to all sorts of health problems. Now a new robotic surgery could be the solution.